Sheboygan, WI (WHBL) – Drug dealers have not begun the mass exodus out of Sheboygan yet, but given the increased takedowns of alleged drug houses lately, some might be thinking twice about setting up shop in this sleepy town.
Law enforcement agencies, eager to put a dent in the growing presence of drug trafficking, are not sleeping on the job and apparently will not be deterred or outsmarted by suspects who try to stay a step ahead.
When the Sheboygan County MEG Unit executed a search warrant at 412 Huron Ave. this past Monday, they knocked twice – no answer.
The people inside pretended to not be home. So, officers let themselves in, and immediately ran into 19-year-old Joseph R. Schmidt. Schmidt shares the home with 18-year-old Adam Gerk and 24-year-old Willie D. Washington. All three were placed in handcuffs, as officers began combing through the home, looking for drugs. In particular, the search warrant specified money, cell phones, and marijuana-with intent to deliver.
According to a criminal complaint filed in Sheboygan County Court, it did not take long for investigators to turn up both drugs and drug paraphernalia. Officers allege that the following items were found inside the home in various locations; marijuana, a marijuana grinder, sandwich baggies, tie offs, metal dabblers (which are used for making wax marijuana), rolling paper, a safe containing Xanax pills, cash, glass pipes, bongs, and a weight with packaging materials. Officers also discovered the controlled substance MDMA.
Schmidt told investigators that he, Adam Gerk, and Willie Washington all share the home, and says Washington pays $50 per month for rent to reside there.
Schmidt initially told investigators that he knew nothing about the safe or its contents. But, he later admitted to investigators that the safe belongs to him - having previously battled an addiction to Xanax. Schmidt claims that he has been going through a drug treatment program ever since he was arrested in Milwaukee recently.
Schmidt is facing nearly half a dozen drug-related charges including maintaining a drug trafficking place, possession of narcotics, possession of a controlled substance, and possession with intent to deliver.
Washington is charged with maintaining a drug trafficking place, possession with intent to deliver and possession of drug paraphernalia.
There is no indication of criminal charges being filed against Adam Gerk, whose room was also searched.